finance

Money talks; reviewing the global economy, government spending, taxes, and economic policy that affect our social and political future.

Gold Hits New High, Oil Rises as Iran Tensions Rekindle
Global financial markets are once again being shaped by geopolitics as gold prices climb to new record highs and oil prices rise sharply, following renewed tensions involving Iran and its regional rivals. The twin rally highlights how quickly investor sentiment can shift when instability threatens global supply chains, particularly in energy markets that are deeply tied to the Middle East.
By Asad Ali8 days ago in The Swamp
Asia Tech Seeks to Extend January Surge, Gold Keeps Flying. AI-Generated.
Asian financial markets are entering a critical phase as technology stocks attempt to extend their strong January rally, while gold prices continue to surge, reflecting persistent global uncertainty. The contrasting movement of risk-on tech assets and traditional safe havens highlights a complex investment landscape shaped by artificial intelligence optimism, central bank signals, and geopolitical tensions.
By Asad Ali8 days ago in The Swamp
Weak Dollar Drives Gold Over $5,500 an Ounce for the First Time. AI-Generated.
Gold prices have surged to an unprecedented $5,500 per ounce, marking a historic milestone for the precious metal as a weakening US dollar, rising geopolitical tensions, and deepening fears of currency debasement send investors rushing toward safe-haven assets. The dramatic rally underscores growing unease in global markets and signals a potential shift in how investors protect wealth during periods of economic uncertainty.
By Aarif Lashari8 days ago in The Swamp
Santander to Close 44 Branches and Put 291 Jobs at Risk. AI-Generated.
Santander has announced plans to close 44 branches across the UK, placing 291 jobs at risk and reigniting concerns about the rapid decline of physical banking services on the high street. The move is part of a wider restructuring strategy as the bank responds to changing customer habits, rising operational costs, and the accelerating shift toward digital banking.
By Aarif Lashari8 days ago in The Swamp
Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signaling Risks to Economy Are Dropping. AI-Generated.
The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to hold interest rates steady, signaling growing confidence that risks to the economy are beginning to ease. After an aggressive cycle of rate hikes aimed at taming inflation, the Fed’s latest decision suggests policymakers believe the economy is moving toward a more stable footing—though uncertainty remains.
By Asad Ali8 days ago in The Swamp
Amazon’s AI Push Raises Employee Climate, Layoff Concerns. AI-Generated.
Amazon’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence is reshaping the company’s future—but it is also fueling growing concern among employees about layoffs, workplace climate, and long-term job security. While the tech giant positions AI as a transformative force that will boost efficiency and innovation, many workers fear they are paying the price for this transition.
By Asad Ali8 days ago in The Swamp
Tesla Profit Plunges as Sales Fall and AI Expenses Pile Up. AI-Generated.
Tesla has reported a sharp drop in profits as vehicle sales decline and spending on artificial intelligence continues to rise, signaling a challenging phase for the world’s most valuable electric vehicle maker. Once seen as an unstoppable force in the EV market, Tesla is now grappling with weaker demand, intensifying competition, and the high cost of its ambitious push into AI-driven technologies.
By Asad Ali8 days ago in The Swamp
Gold Prices in Pakistan Today: Historic Highs and Market Dynamics. AI-Generated.
Gold prices in Pakistan have climbed to unprecedented levels, with the price per tola of 24-karat gold reaching a new historic high. On Wednesday, the local gold market recorded one of its biggest single-day increases, with the per tola rate jumping significantly over the previous session. According to industry sources and Pakistan’s principal bullion associations, gold per tola was trading at Rs 551,662, while 10-gram gold was quoted at Rs 472,961 — both figures marking a notable surge amid ongoing economic uncertainty. �
By Ayesha Lashari8 days ago in The Swamp
Access Denied: Why Muslims Worldwide Are Being ‘Debanked’. AI-Generated.
For millions of Muslims around the world, access to traditional banking services has become increasingly complicated. Reports indicate a growing phenomenon known as “debanking”, where individuals and businesses are denied access to bank accounts, loans, and other financial services, often without clear explanations.
By Aarif Lashari8 days ago in The Swamp
Bitcoin Remains Subdued as Gold Races to New Record Above $5,400 Following Jerome Powell Remarks. AI-Generated.
The keyword “Bitcoin remains subdued as gold races to new record above $5,400 following Jerome Powell remarks” captures a striking moment in global financial markets. As investors react to comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, traditional safe-haven assets like gold are surging to historic highs, while Bitcoin—often described as “digital gold”—has failed to keep pace.
By Aarif Lashari9 days ago in The Swamp
IMF Prepares for Global Run on the US Dollar. AI-Generated.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is reportedly preparing for a potential global run on the US dollar, a scenario that could have profound implications for international finance, trade, and economic stability. While the dollar has long been the world’s primary reserve currency, rising geopolitical tensions, monetary policy shifts, and trade imbalances have raised concerns about its resilience.
By Aarif Lashari9 days ago in The Swamp
Starmer Wants UK Plc to Win Over China’s Xi Without Annoying Trump. AI-Generated.
As the global political landscape grows increasingly complex, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attempting a high-wire diplomatic act: strengthening economic ties with China’s President Xi Jinping while ensuring Britain does not alienate the United States—particularly former president Donald Trump, who could return to the White House. For “UK Plc,” Starmer’s favored phrase for Britain’s national economic interests, the challenge is not just diplomatic—it is strategic, commercial, and deeply geopolitical.
By Asad Ali9 days ago in The Swamp